Understand Safari Tier Ratings & Experiences In Botswana | Why Visit Botswana For Your Safari Vacation Or Holidays In Africa
OVERVIEW ON KWETSANI CAMP IN OKAVANGO DELTA
Kwetsani, one of the most remote camps in the Okavango, is situated on an elongated island covered with palm, mangosteen and fig trees. Five beautifully furnished ‘tree-house’ chalets, each with its own en-suite bathroom and outdoor shower provide guests with open, airy accommodation of thatch, wood, glass and canvas. All are elevated and connected with wooden walkways. The main area includes a dining room and lounge area situated under a cool thatched roof, and leads onto an expansive wooden deck that looks out over an enormous floodplain often dotted with plains game. A walkway leads to a plunge pool with loungers – a perfect spot to relax at midday. Guests can watch the animals from the comfort of the pool or the privacy of their rooms. Kwetsani offers excellent land and water activities dependent on annual flood levels. Guests can view wildlife by mokoro or experience outstanding game drives. During times of high water levels, Kwetsani boats to Hunda Island for game drives.
CONTACT AN EXPERT TO PLAN YOUR BOTSWANA SAFARI
Location Of Kwetsani Camp
Kwetsani Camp is positioned on an elongated island heavily wooded with palm, mangosteen and fig trees in the 60,000 hectare Eden of the Jao Concession in the north-western Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta rests amongst shallow fault lines at the end of the Great African Rift Valley. Deserts are low on annual rainfall and the Okavango Delta is no exception, but the annual floodwaters from the moist African highlands over 1000 km to the north create a distinctive wetland that supports and sustains a huge diversity of wildlife. This region is particularly famous for its lion populations. Lying in the very heart of the Okavango Delta, the Jao Concession epitomizes all the magic and mystique of the region. Narrow water channels cut their way through the papyrus and reed beds in the enduring delta to the north and east of the concession. Attractive lush palm islands, like the one on which Kwetsani Camp is built, dot the water, beseeching to be explored. In the dominant region of the Jao Concession, enormous open floodplains provide some of the most magnificent scenery of the region, with remarkable islands fringed with riverine forests. Further west, the area gets increasingly dryer and Hunda Island is the largest area of dry land in the vicinity during the flood season. Hunda Island has sandveld vegetation supporting numerous species of nutritious acacia and grewia shrubs which delivers exceptional browsing for herbivores – upon which the lions prey. The real wetland areas of the Okavango Delta are best known for their birdlife. The prime concentrations of endangered Wattled Crane are found in this area and Slaty Egrets, Rosy-throated Longclaws and African Skimmer are some of the specials that can be seen. Hallowed species such as Pel’s Fishing-Owl and Slaty Egret are found alongside more conspicuous and commonly seen Coppery-tailed Coucal, Pygmy Goose. The specialized African Skimmer may be seen on the larger lagoons and channels. Kwetsani Camp is set in the most densely populous wetland area for sitatunga antelope and red lechwe, and hippo and crocodile are often sighted. In the dry season lechwe, tsessebe, elephant, wildebeest and zebra are prevalent, with lion, cheetah and leopard often seen. The many lion prides in this area have been extensively studied in recent years, thereby building up a more familiar knowledge of their behavior.
Safari Experience At Kwetsani Camp
During the flood from April to September lechwe are plentiful and lion follow them. Elephant numbers peak in August to November. Plains game and leopard sightings are good. Hunda Island offers a wide variety of wildlife and is a must (if accessible). Birdlife is excellent especially during the summer months.
CONTACT AN EXPERT ON KWETSANI CAMP PRICES & SAFARI
Activities At Kwetsani Camp
- 50% game drives and 50% water activities (but very much dependant on flood levels).
- In the summer months, activities tend more towards game drives, whereas in the winter months, mainly water-based activities are offered.
- Land game drives in 3 x 10-seater open 4 x 4 Land Rovers each accommodating maximum seven guests, allowing all guests an outside seat. In times of high water guests are transferred by boat to game drive areas.
- The camp has a supply of bean bags for guests to use to steady their camera while on game drive.
- Night drives with spotlight.
- Private vehicles available on request.
- 5 x 2-seater mokoros (traditional dug-out canoes) – in summer, guests are driven to the water to do their mokoro activity.
- Boating in the waterways to the west of camp.
- Fishing – on a catch and release basis year round except January and February when fishing is barred by law for breeding. We offer spinner rods and a small range of lures. Fly fishing equipment to be supplied by guest if required.
- A raised hide located 20 minutes from camp (which can be used for sleep outs – maximum 4 people at a time; equipped with a long drop loo).
Summary For Kwetsani Camp
ACCOMMODATION
Number of chalets:
Six tents in total consisting of:
- 4 x ¾ twin bedded tents
- 1 king-size-bedded tent
- 1 guide tent (same standard as guest tent).
- This camp can accommodate 10 guests with tour leader or a group of 12 guests.
Chalet details:
- Luxury tree-house canvas cottage 4 – 6 meters off ground.
- En-suite facilities, indoor and outdoor showers.
- Glass-fronted canvas chalets with a glass door entrance.
- All chalets have verandas overlooking the floodplains with spectacular view.
- Fans in all chalets.
- Rooms under thatch.
- Soaps, shampoos and insect repellent are supplied.
- Safe in each chalet.
CAMP DESCRIPTION
- Dining room, lounge and bar under thatch, on raised decks.
- Raised walkway between public areas and guest rooms.
- Landscape view from bar and dining area.
- Evening campfire.
- Open air deck for dining under the stars.
- Slide projector available.
- Plunge pool.
- Curio shop.
Other Notes On Kwetsani Camp In Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Children of 6 years and older are accommodated, however, private activities need to be booked and paid for. The minimum age for boating activities is 6 years, while mokoro activities have a minimum age of 13 years.
- Jao airstrip located 35 minutes’ drive or boat trip (usually Apr to Sep) from camp. In high waters (usually Apr – Sep) guests are boated to camp (can take up to an hour to drive or boat in the flood season).
